# Black Norwegian Elkhound

Also known as: Norwegian Elghund Sort, Norsk Elghund Sort, Black Elkhound
- **Group:** Spitz & Primitive (FCI group 5)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Norway
- **Height:** 40–51 cm
- **Weight:** 16–20 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Calm, Intelligent, Affectionate, Quiet, Family-Oriented
- **FCI standard:** No. 268

A compact, solid black Norwegian spitz bred to hunt moose silently on a leash. Smaller and quieter than its grey cousin, it is a warm, tolerant family companion.

## Overview

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a small, sturdy spitz from the Norwegian and Swedish border country. Unlike the grey elkhound, it rarely barks and was developed to work close to its handler on a leash.

It remains uncommon in Norway and rare elsewhere, but its working ability and gentle character keep a steady circle of devoted fans.

## History

The breed grew out of the local spitz dogs of the forests along the Norway and Sweden border and has been a distinct breed since the middle of the nineteenth century. Its name comes from the Norwegian word elghund, meaning moose dog.

Numbers dropped dangerously low at one time, but the breed kept its working qualities and look for more than a century. Litter numbers have been steady for about twenty years, and demand now often exceeds supply.

## Appearance

A typical spitz: short, compact body, dark eyes, erect ears and a tail curled over the back. The dense, coarse double coat is solid black and sheds rain well.

Adults stand roughly 40 to 51 cm at the shoulder and weigh about 16 to 20 kg, with males a little larger than females.

## Temperament

Black elkhounds are friendly, intelligent and very people-oriented. They enjoy physical contact, like to stay near the family, and are usually patient with children and smaller pets.

They are far quieter than most spitz breeds, staying calm and silent around game. Most get along well with other dogs.

## Care and exercise

This is an active hunting dog that needs daily walks, off-lead running in safe places and real mental work such as scent games or tracking. Without it, it can become restless.

Brush the weather-resistant coat two or three times a week, and more often during the seasonal shed. Bathing is rarely needed.

## Health

Generally a robust breed. Breeders in Norway test for hip dysplasia and are working on screening for hereditary glaucoma and ataxia. Ask breeders for health test results and keep an eye on the limited gene pool.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/black-norwegian-elkhound
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Norwegian_Elkhound · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38961
Photo: Rvenes (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BlackNorwegianElkhound.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.